Oromic as a Third Language in the Amhara Region and Among Amharic Speakers Nationwide
By Fayyis Oromia*
Ethiopia’s three-language education policy stands as a commendable model for fostering national integration, fairness, equality, and justice. While many regions in the country have already implemented this policy, the Amhara region and Amharic-speaking urban populations remain exceptions. These regions, like others, should embrace this policy and integrate the learning of a third language—specifically Oromic—into their education system.
The promotion of Oromic as a third language holds significant potential for building greater mutual understanding and cooperation between the Amhara and Oromo peoples, two groups whose historical tensions have often been manipulated by political forces. In particular, the ruling Prosperity Party (Biltsigina) has exploited these divisions through divide-and-rule tactics. Therefore, it is essential for Amharas to learn Oromic, just as the Oromo people have diligently learned Amharic for decades. This reciprocal linguistic exchange is not merely academic; it represents a crucial step toward transforming the longstanding Amhara-Oromo confrontation into a productive partnership. A stable and collaborative Amhara-Oromo alliance would be a potent force for justice, democracy, and freedom, standing united against authoritarian rule.
The recent decision to introduce Oromic as a subject in schools in Finfinné (Addis Ababa) is a promising development. It represents a significant move in the right direction. Ultimately, the goal should be to establish Oromic as a primary working language of the federal government, including within Finfinné itself. It is now also imperative for the Amhara region to adopt the teaching of Oromic in its schools. There is no valid reason for Oromia to teach Amharic to Oromo children if the Amhara region is not equally committed to teaching Oromic. This should be a reciprocal process. Those who oppose the learning of Oromic have no moral standing in demanding the teaching of Amharic in Oromia, including Finfinné.
Moreover, other regions of Ethiopia, such as Tigray, Somali, Afar, Sidama, and others, should be given the option to select a federal language, in addition to their mother tongue and English, based on their individual preferences. Oromic, as one of the federal languages, could serve as an excellent third language for many of these regions. Dr. Berhanu’s three-language education policy—comprising a mother tongue, English, and a federal language—provides an effective solution to Ethiopia’s ongoing language conflicts.
The time has come for Oromo elites to shift their approach. For too long, our people have been oppressed by the elites of the Abyssinian system. It is now crucial that we consolidate our power at the heart of the political system, in the Finfinné palace, while simultaneously advocating for Oromic to be recognized as a federal working language. The Oromo community must unite to resist both the entrenched Habesha elites attempting to regain power and the hybrid elites currently in control, who stand in the way of our full liberation. One of the most effective ways to empower the Oromo people is to cease the harmful infighting and propaganda between our political organizations.
The Harmful Effects of Propaganda
Propaganda, as defined by Wikipedia, is a form of communication designed to influence the attitudes of a community toward a particular cause or position. Unlike objective information, propaganda often presents selective facts and emotionally charged messages, aiming to support a specific political agenda. While propaganda can be a tool for advancing one’s own goals, it can be destructive when used to attack fellow members of the same cause.
In recent years, propaganda within Oromo political organizations has been notably harmful. The rivalry between different factions of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), and other Oromo organizations, has escalated to the point where it undermines the collective struggle for Oromo freedom. Rather than focusing on confronting the true enemy—the Abyssinian dictatorship—some factions have chosen to engage in petty squabbles, attacking each other more fervently than they challenge the system of oppression that binds us all. This internal strife has only served to weaken the Oromo movement.
It is critical that Oromo organizations cease the internal attacks and redirect their energy toward their common goal: the overthrow of the Abyssinian system of dictatorship. The Oromo people are tired of the infighting and want leadership that is effective, unified, and focused on long-term strategic goals. A united Oromo front will not be built through constant bickering but through mutual respect and collaboration.
A Unified Vision for the Future
The ongoing infighting among different Oromo factions has serious implications for the movement as a whole. We must ask ourselves: are these factions genuinely fighting for the same Oromo cause? Or are their actions being driven by personal ambitions and rivalries that ultimately serve the interests of those who seek to divide and weaken the Oromo people?
To resolve these issues, Oromo organizations must prioritize unity, wisdom, and a shared vision. It is time to move beyond the internal divisions and focus on what truly matters: the liberation of the Oromo people and the establishment of a democratic, just Ethiopia. This requires both a shift in mindset and a commitment to working together toward a common goal.
The Importance of Empowerment
Empowering the Oromo community is essential to the success of our movement. This can be achieved through unity, collaboration, and the elimination of divisive elements, such as infighting and destructive propaganda. A key component of this empowerment is the celebration of Oromo cultural and spiritual traditions, such as the annual Irreecha festival. Irreecha, which symbolizes both thanksgiving and empowerment, can serve as a reminder of our collective strength and the need for unity as we confront the challenges ahead.
In the face of continued opposition from the Abyssinian elites, both within and outside the government, it is essential that we resist their efforts to divide us. Recently, there have been efforts to create generational divisions within the Oromo community, pitting the younger generation against the older generation. These tactics, designed to weaken our unity, must be exposed and confronted. We must be vigilant in recognizing such manipulative tactics and resolute in our commitment to our shared cause.
Moving Forward
The political landscape in Ethiopia is at a crossroads. The Oromo struggle for justice, freedom, and equality can only succeed if we move beyond internal divisions and focus on building a unified front. This requires a collective commitment to the ideals of mutual respect, collaboration, and strategic action. The future of the Oromo people depends on our ability to consolidate our power, unite our community, and fight against the forces that seek to oppress and divide us.
In conclusion, the path forward is clear. The adoption of Oromic as a third language in the Amhara region and among Amharic speakers nationwide is a vital step toward fostering national integration and mutual understanding. However, the most pressing challenge lies in overcoming the internal divisions within the Oromo movement. Only by uniting under a shared vision can we achieve true freedom and justice for the Oromo people and for all Ethiopians.
Let us move forward together, with wisdom, strength, and a renewed commitment to our common cause. Only then can we hope to see a truly democratic and inclusive Ethiopia.
Galatôma!
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2023/01/0 ... at-oromia/